2000 Volkswagen Golf Review

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2000 Volkswagen Golf

Average Resale Value: $4,184

MPG Range: 22 - 49 mpg

Bodystyles: Hatchback

Road Test: 2000 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T

Not content that its Golf is merely world renowned as safe, practical transport, Volkswagen has boosted excitement for 2000 in the form of a new 1.8T turbocharged engine option. An upgrade from the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the smaller-but-mightier turbo delivers an enthusiast improvement worthy of the famous GTi monicker. Although our car happened to be outfitted in GLS trim, there's a $19,750 GTi 1.8T to step up to.

While the base 2.0L engine churns out respectable 115 horsepower at 5200 rpm, the turbo 1.8 delivers a solid 150 horses at a slightly higher 5700 rpm. The 1.8T makes use of a new cylinder head that incorporates a five-valve-per-cylinder twin-cam design instead of the two-valve, single-cam design of the standard 2.0L.In testing, the Golf 1.8T sprinted 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and scurried through the quarter mile in 16.0 seconds. That bests the standard Golf 2.0L's quarter-mile performance by a solid 1.5 seconds-a notable improvement. A MacPherson strut front suspension matched with VW's track-correcting torsion beam rear axle delivered solid handling in the form of 0.82g lateral acceleration and a respectable 63.0-mph speed through MT's 600-foot slalom. The Golf 1.8T is in a near tie with the Beetle Turbo, yet it's edged out slightly by the Honda Civic Si (15.7 @ 88.7 mph in the quarter mile and 65.5-mph slalom speed).A four-wheel-disc brake setup paired with ABS halted the 1.8T from 60 mph in 126 feet. Volkswagen's Anti-Slip Regulation and Electronic Differential Lock systems, standard on the Golf GLS, help the spirited 1.8T get traction on slippery roads, and upgrading to the optional five-spoke aluminum wheels fitted with Michelin Energy 195/65HR15 all-season tires generates improved grip. The interior remains relatively unchanged from last year, save for new child seat tether mounts in the rear package tray and an optional 200-watt Monsoon sound system.On the road, the 1.8T delivers the smooth and predictable driving for which the Golf is known, but its added power makes driving the 1.8T mu ch more fun over the Golf 2.0L. And with a sticker price of $17,900, the Golf GLS 1.8T is very affordable as cost-effective transportation, especially considering its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and dealer-paid two-year scheduled maintenance plan.With the new 1.8T option, no longer will you have to make the excuse that you bought a Golf because it's practical and safe. Just let the sound of a whirring turbo and screeching rubber serve as your rationale.

Nothing ever goes as planned. I flew up to Vancouver, B.C. with the thought of helping with the final engine installation and testing, then quickly making a beeline south to Los Angeles. Then it rained.